MLB management has finally discovered what wins pennants. Numbers from closers are nice, but, strong arms are also needed by starters, middle relievers and set-up men. It isn’t a happy feeling to have an elite closer without many first class starters or relievers to bring a winning effort into the last inning.

Look it Up!

The 2002 World Champion Anaheim Angels won the AL pennant and were paced by Troy Percival 1.92 ERA and 40 saves. However a late season arrival, reliever Francisco Rodriguez, hogged the limelight with 5 postseason wins, including 2 wins in the 2002 World Series.

Remember how the sports media quickly dubbed the 20-year old Venezuelan, K-Rod. A review of the Anaheim Angels pitching staff shows three starters worked over 188 innings and one an even 160 innings. Just the facts here man: Ramon Ortiz posted a 15-7 record in 217.1 innings, Jarrod Washburn went 18-6 in 206 innings, Kevin Appier had a 14-12 record in 188.1 innings, and Aaron Sele was 8-9 in 160 innings.

Reliever Ben Weber appeared in a team-leading 63 games, had a 7-2 record and worked 78 innings. Brendan Donnelly appeared in 46 games, had a 1-1 record, one save in 49.2 innings. Get what we mean! John Lackey started 18 games and posted a 9-4 record in 108.1 innings. Scot Shields worked 29 games, 5-3 record, 2.20 ERA in 49.0 innings.

Mickey Callaway was 2-1 in 6 starts, pitched 34.1 innings. Matt Lukasiewicz had a 2-0 record in 14 innings, spanning 17 games. Lou Pote was 0-2 in 31 games, 50.1 innings. Troy Percival collected 40 saves, had a 4-1 record, a stingy 1.92 ERA, worked 56.1 innings in 58 games. Francisco Rodriguez worked 5 regular season games, and struck out 13 would be hitters in 5.2 innings. K-Rod used a fastball approaching 97 mph, and a 84 mph slider. Copyright 2007 by baseballhistorian.com Baseball History

For complete stats of all baseball players, please see Players section on the upper left-side of our home page

For loads of fun reading, type in Yankees, Cardinals, Pirates, Red Sox, Cubs or all other teams in our Search on the lower left-side of our home page